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Never in a million years will I buy the argument that one cannot eat healthy for cheap. I’ve heard over and over how some of the unhealthiest foods are the cheapest out there – and I don’t disagree (think potato chips, microwave meals, hot dogs, and convenience store foods). But for every unhealthy cheap food, there’s a healthy but budget-friendly counterpart out there. Take, for example, this salad. Super healthy. Not expensive at all. Here’s what I paid:

• One small red cabbage: $2.02 (I used half = $1.01)
• One carrot: $.19
• One red Fresno pepper: $.18
• Bulk peanuts (about 1/4 cup): $.28

The cost for the salad (minus the dressing and optional cilantro and lime garnish) was $1.66. That’s enough for two main course salads or four side salads.

Next time someone tells you that cheap food and healthy food are mutually exclusive, challenge them. I don’t buy it, and neither should you. I hope I have been able to demonstrate that through my blog over the past year or so. Take a look around and see what you think.  Bon appetite!

New to my blog? Don’t forget to like my Facebook page ^[2] and follow my Pinterest boards ^[3]!

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Thai Peanut Salad Recipe

Yield: 2 to 4 servings

To make this salad more substantial, add some fried tofu, chicken or rice noodles.

Ingredients:

For salad:
2 cups chopped red cabbage (about 1/2 a small head of cabbage)
1 large carrot, julienned
1 sweet red pepper, julienned
1 red Fresno pepper, finely chopped
1/4 chopped peanuts
Lime wedges and cilantro, for garnish

For peanut dressing:
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Combine cabbage, carrot, red pepper, and Fresno pepper in a large serving bowl. Top with peanuts.
To make dressing, place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Pour over salad and serve with lime wedges and cilantro on the side.